Have you ever prayed for something and it just seemed to take too long? I got myself caught up in that feeling recently, even though I knew better. Happens to the best of us. Our human nature is very demanding and it’s patience wears thin. It wants what it wants when it wants it! We have to use temperance and self-control, and a good dose of the Holy Spirit, to keep our human “I want it now!” desire in check.

Waiting for what we want, be it a response or a change in our lives, particularly during times of difficulty is hard. We don’t see nor do we have the patience for personal growth and God’s plan in the midst of it. We lose sight of what God sees—things that need to be fixed or removed in our hearts in the middle of the mess. Then we take things into our own hands.

We know the story of Abraham and Sarah who wanted a child so badly. God told them they would have a son, but He took too long for them. So they came up with their own plan to get a son faster. They used Sarah’s servant. But what a mess they made. There was bitterness, jealousy, nagging, heartaches and stress. And, because they interfered with God’s plan, they ended up waiting longer. (Genesis 16)

Their choice to do things their way and not wait, rippled throughout the remainder of their lives and even impacted their children and their legacy. Rarely do our choices only affect us. They are like the ripples we see in a stream when we toss a rock into it. The waves splash on those around us. We need to trust that God will answer our prayers. He knows the desires of our hearts; but He also knows what lies down the road—the things we cannot see.

Abraham and Sarah learned the hard way that God’s way is always the best. His timing is always right. His plan always works. He will provide better than what we ask for if we wait and follow His plan.

Is there something you’ve been praying for but it just seems so far away? Are you tempted to take matters into your own hands and make it happen? Stop! See the wisdom in how Daniel approached the Lord to plead for Him not to release His wrath on Jerusalem. He pleaded in prayer and petition, in fasting, confessing how awesome God is. He also confessed their sins and asked for forgiveness and mercy.

David didn’t know when God would answer, but he didn’t try to take matters into his own hands. While praying, the angel Gabriel came and told him that God heard him as soon as he began to pray. How encouraging! Even though you don’t see the answer yet, God hears you as soon as you begin to pray. So trust in His process and not in your own. He knows what you need.

“Now, our God, hear the prayers and the petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name.” Daniel 9:18-19

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer

Lord,

Your Word says that love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; it is not arrogant. You hear my prayers and You know my thoughts. There is no reason for me to be anxious about anything because You are my Shepherd; watching over me and leading me. Give me strength to be patient and wait on You; strength to sit still and know that You are God. I lay my pride down, along with any jealousy and arrogance that I may be tempted with to make things happen on my own. I trust You and will wait for You. I will praise and rejoice in You, because with You all things are possible. Amen!

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Google Doc

Noise is getting on my last nerve. What about you? The television is going, the cell phone is dinging (I know I can turn off notifications, but then I won’t know when I’m being notified!), everyone’s talking, and yes, there is an annoying bird squawking right outside my bedroom window. It seems hard to escape the noise and find a quiet place.

Real confession. I am prone to escape to the closet or the bathroom to find peace, and yes, to even have a meeting! And this doesn’t even begin to cover all the noise going on in my head—planning, organizing—you know the drill. It’s no wonder we sometimes feel like we can’t hear the Holy Spirit. How often people have said to me, “I can’t hear the Holy Spirit speak. He doesn’t speak to me.”

He’s speaking, my friend. Perhaps you can’t hear Him for all the noise in your life. Perhaps you can’t hear Him because it’s hard to listen for His voice through your anxieties and fears. Just like you make time for work, school, family and recreation, you have to make better use of your time with Him.

How do you do that? By seeking times of solitude, time when you can sit in stillness and quiet. What you do in that solitude is so important. We need to train our minds to keep still and shut off the noise in our heads and all around us, all those thoughts that just bombard the quiet. Trust that the Lord is waiting to meet you in that still place.

Jesus demonstrated the tremendous value of pulling away for some alone time with the Lord. It was during that time that He received sustenance, strength and direction. In those moments, He poured out His heart to the Lord and He listened. Even His prayer time was richer because He dedicated that quiet time to the Lord.

Here’s a challenge. This week, commit to finding time of solitude each day. Stick to it as much as you can. Seek that peace that comes only through being with Jesus. Ask Him into your prayer time, and then listen. Write in a journal what He shares with you and how long you spent in solitude. At the end of the week, go over your notes, and see what changes occurred. You may be very surprised!

St. Augustine asked,

“to what purpose are we emphatically commanded to ‘be still?’ We are commanded to be still so that we may see that God would say, ‘I am God. That is, not you, but I am God. I created, I create anew; I formed, I form anew; I made, I make anew.’”

Prayer

Jesus,

I will not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, I will pray. I will let petitions and praises shape my worries into prayers, letting You know my concerns. Before I know it, a sense of Your wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle me down. It’s wonderful what happens when You displace worry at the center of my life. Throw wide the gates so good and true people can enter. People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. May You, the Master of Peace, give me the gift of getting along with others at all times, in all ways. May You, my Master, be truly with me! Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life. Quiet my thoughts. Give me the strength to sit still and to know that You alone are God. Let me experience Your peace, that surpasses all understanding. Let Your joy be my strength. Amen!


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Google Doc

Need a pick me up or a boost to keep going? We can all use some good thoughts, some positive affirmations and a few “lift me ups.” In a conversation with a friend the other day, she was listing down all the crazy situations she was facing in her life. One thing after another came racing out of her mouth. When she finally took a deep breath, she said, “Is there anything positive ever going to happen? I can’t find anything good.”

It was easy to understand why she felt that way. She had health issues, job issues, family issues and more. It was going to take time to pull her off her mountain, so I went to the Word. (When in a state of doubt or belief, the Word has good things to lift our spirits.) For all of you who may be struggling and need encouragement, I have a great word for you. For those of you who just want encouragement to keep persevering, this word is for you too. Let’s drop the mic on the enemy!

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with Love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.
He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us as we deserve.
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.

For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.
Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows and we are gone—as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments!

“Let all that I am praise the Lord!” Psalm 103:2-18, 22

Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about: Good things!!

Prayer

Jesus,

You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. To You, Lord, I call; You are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your Most Holy Place. Praise be to You, for You have heard my cry for mercy. You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You, and You help me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise You. You are the strength of Your people, a fortress of salvation for Your anointed one. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be our shepherd and carry us forever. Amen!


Photo by Joes Valentine on Unsplash

Google Doc

Years ago, we went to a festival in the park. There were artists, food vendors and music. As I strolled around, I came across some eye catching artwork depicting the Garden of Eden and Creation. Flowing through the garden was this peaceful, welcoming river. As I stared at the painting, I could imagine sitting peacefully there listening to the water flowing. “A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” (Genesis 2:9-10)

As I think about the busyness of life and the craziness of the past year, my heart longs for a place to just be. A place where all cares drift away and you can sit in peace. You can lay back in the cool grass, smelling the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruit trees. No troubles are here, no incessant chatter, no worries are here.

This is the perfect place where your mind is free and relaxed, and your heart is free and open. It is by the river where you can empty yourself of the world’s pressures and dig your toes into the soft ground. If you are still long enough, if you wait patiently, you’ll hear the footsteps of Jesus approaching. He sits with you, listens to your heart, and speaks life into you.

You see, this place is holy and the Lord dwells here. “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” (Psalm 46:4) He sits by the river every day waiting for you. The sun is never too hot and the breeze is never too cold. The water is cool to the touch and like honey to the taste. He’s always available to walk or sit with you.

I understand what David meant when he said, “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” in Psalm 23. There are no storms and dashing waves by the river, just peace. David knew the importance of taking time to be with the Lord alone by the waters because our souls get weary and need to be restored, filled by the mighty hand of the Lord.

My friends, we all need some time by the river. Time to meet with Jesus and empty our souls of the weariness and busyness of this life. Although the garden of Eden is no longer here on earth, we have the Holy Spirit to lead us to the river, right to Jesus.

Whatever you’re feeling right now or whatever you may be facing, take a moment to break away and go to the river. You can get there through praise, through worship, through meditating on the Word, or through prayer. You can go alone or take a friend. But however you decide, just go. You will be filled to overflowing, spilling out over others. You’ll be encouraged and strengthened.

So if you are looking for me, you’ll find me by the river sitting with Jesus. Come join me! And then when He returns, we will sit with Him together face to face.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding the fruit every month.” Revelation 22:1-2

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer.” Acts 16:13

“Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

Prayer

Jesus,

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You. Blessed is the one who trusts in You, whose confidence is in You. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Lord search my heart and examine my mind, reward me according to my conduct, according to what my deeds deserve. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen!


Photo by Ladyfern Photos on Unsplash

Goggle Doc

Sharon was fed up! She asked Michael several times not to track the dirt in the house when he came home from work. Especially on her new floors. What did he do when he came in? He never stopped for a moment to take off his shoes and clumped through the house leaving a trail of mud. She exploded and gave him a piece of her mind. She then stormed out of the house fuming and by the time she got to the pharmacy, she was boiling. The sales clerk couldn’t find her order, so Sharon gave her a piece of her mind too.

Can you identify? How many times have you seen or heard someone giving another person a piece of their mind? Although we don’t know where that phrase comes from, we do know what it means. It means you angrily let someone know exactly how you feel about something in no uncertain terms, not caring how it makes the other person feel.

It’s pretty bold of the mouth to give a piece of the mind away. Since when is the mouth the dictator of our actions? Unfortunately, it’s the day we gave it full reign over our actions. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire.” (James 3:5-6)

Yet with this small part of our body, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:9)

The Bible tells us to guard our thoughts and our mind. We shouldn’t give pieces of it away under any circumstances. As I thought about that, I realized that when we give others a piece of our minds, we are actually giving away our peace and disrupting theirs. No matter the situation, we can’t let the enemy steal our peace, influence our thoughts, and control our tongues.

Today, with the pressures of the pandemic and the political and social issues constantly in the forefront, it’s easy to get pulled into negativity and depression. It’s easy for us to use our words to harm and not to encourage. It’s time to slow down and take back control from the tongue. We need to think before we speak and let the Holy Spirit guide us to know when to be quiet and when to speak.

It’s time to dust off the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we practice these fruits, we will have better interactions with our neighbors and our family. The tongue won’t dictate our actions and we will have peace of mind. Let’s pray for more self-control, more discernment and the ability to capture our thoughts and our tongues.

“The word of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

Prayer

Jesus,

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with people who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! Let me be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. With the fruit of the Holy Spirit I will be able to show myself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in my speaking show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about me. Therefore, prepare my mind for action, and being sober-minded, I will set my hope fully on the grace that will be brought to me at the revelation of You, my King, Jesus Christ. As an obedient child, I will not be conformed to the passions of my former ignorance, but as You who called me is holy, I also will be holy in all my conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” I will bring You glory, honor, and praise all the days of my life. Amen!


Photo by Alexandra Mirgheș on Unsplash

Google Doc

Sometimes we heap great praise on people who do great things. It’s giving honor and praise to a person who has accomplished something extraordinary, like developing a new cure for cancer or doing some great feat like athletics. Our praise can go to such heights that we place the person far beyond any others, almost “putting someone on a pedestal” or exalting him or her.

“Exalt”, a word that isn’t used much in our everyday language, but has tremendous meaning. It’s a little word that’s bold and means “lift up or lift up high.” While it can be used to describe human actions, it’s usually used in the context of worship. Think of it as a level above praise, the highest honor. While there is no problem praising others for their accomplishments or talents, trouble comes when we exalt someone with the same praise we normally reserved for the Lord.

Today, I challenge us to step back and think about who we exalt. Are we inadvertently lifting up someone to the same level as the Father and His Son? Are we giving someone supernatural credit as though whatever they do or say is right, even when they aren’t? Remember, we are all humans, even those who can do extraordinary things. Those talents come from the Lord.

It is only the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit that should be exalted, lifted high and praised with the highest heavenly honors. Why? It’s because there is no one in heaven or on earth who loves us unconditionally, who protects us, who saves and redeems us, who sacrifices and forgives us as they do. All praise, glory and honor belong to the Lord. He is a jealous God with His people, and rightfully so.

Take a grateful moment to think of all He has done for you. You woke up this morning with a fresh opportunity to lift Him up, and that’s a good reason to exalt Him. David wrote many songs of praise and worship in Psalms that are great examples of how to glorify and magnify the Lord’s name. In the meantime, come magnify the Lord with me today. Let’s exalt His name and no other forever. Taste and see that the Lord is good, for blessed is he or she who hides in Him. He will give you everything. Let’s give Him never ending praise.

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:1-6, 8-10

Prayer

Jesus,

I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever. Great are You and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty—and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They tell of the power of Your awesome works—and I will proclaim Your great deeds. They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. You are good to all; You have compassion on all You have made. All Your works praise You, Lord; Your faithful people extol You. They tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, so that all people may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. You are trustworthy in all Your promises and faithful in all You do. You uphold all who fall and lift up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. You are righteous in all Your ways and faithful in all You do. You are near to all who call on You, to all who call on You in truth. You fulfill the desires of those who fear You; You hear their cry and save them. You watch over all who love You, but all the wicked You will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of You. Let every creature praise Your holy name for ever and ever. Amen!


Photo by John Price on Unsplash

Google Doc

There are days when we wish we could run to a place of safety, away from the troubles of life and the arrows of the enemy. We do get weary of the pandemic, “breaking news,” and opinions passed off as truth. It would be so easy to throw up our hands in utter hopelessness. But praise God for our refuge. That place of peace, comfort and wisdom. That place where we hear a voice of love, kindness and grace. Listen to this passage. Then fall into God’s arms of refuge.

1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 “if you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
“I’ll get you out of trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
If you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!” Psalm 91 (The Message)

Prayer

Jesus,

O Most High, whoever dwells in Your shelter will rest in Your shadow, my Almighty King. I will say of You, “Jesus is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely You will save me from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. You will cover me with Your feathers, and under Your wings I will find refuge; Your faithfulness will be my shield and rampart. I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only observe with my eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked. I will raise a hallelujah and praise You, “You are my refuge,” and I make You, O Most High, my dwelling, no harm will overtake me, no disaster will come near my home. Because I love You, You will rescue me; You will protect me, for I acknowledge Your name. I call on You, and You answer me; You are with me in trouble, You deliver me and honor me. With long life You satisfy me and show me Your salvation. All praise be to You my King! Amen!


Photo by Luke Tanis on Unsplash

Google Doc

“Hallelujah” is an exclamation of worship or a call to praise. It comes from a Hebrew phrase that means “Praise the Lord.” It’s a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving to God. Honestly, a Hallelujah should be on our lips every day for all the Lord has done and is doing for us. But sometimes it’s hard to find your Hallelujah or even remember you had it.

Have you ever gotten up in the morning and found it so difficult to face the day? Have troubles and worries from the night before spilled over into your new day? Has bitterness crept into your attitude and choked out any hope or light? You’ve lost your Hallelujah. It may be under your bed or hiding in a dark corner, forgotten and neglected. Only you can find it and bring it into the light.

Satan not only steals our hallelujahs, but he snatches and hides them. He fills our minds with so much stuff—can’ts, not good enoughs, not worthy, hopelessness and doubt. And don’t forget his favorite one, fear. If he can keep our minds on our troubles and our lacks and fill them with these other things, our hallelujahs can all but disappear. Hallelujahs bring joy and hope. He knows the encouragement they bring, and he surely doesn’t want that for us.

Think about the last time you really raised a Hallelujah for Jesus. What were you doing? Where were you? Music is one of my favorite ways to raise a Hallelujah. Not only is the melody moving, but lifting up the words of praise are so freeing. Perhaps you raised yours during a message or while reading the Word. Maybe it came during prayer or private time with the Lord. Just thinking about that last time invokes feelings of joy.

There are many reasons we may lose our hallelujahs, but the reasons aren’t important. What’s important is that we get up and go find them. Not only is there joy and encouragement in them, but praise brings down the sweet rain of the Holy Spirit. In that rain are blessings and victory and breakthroughs.

It’s time to break out your light and shine it in the corners, shine it in the closets and under the bed. Put on a full court press to find your Hallelujah and don’t stop until you find it. Kick depression, loneliness, sickness, fear, worry and doubt in the face, even if you don’t have much strength. I guarantee that once you find your Hallelujah and you raise it up, all the negativity of life rolls away and becomes less important. Praising the Lord has a wonderful way of strengthening us and filling us with an outpouring from the Lord.

So raise a Hallelujah, even if you don’t feel like it. In fact, especially if you don’t feel like it. Jesus deserves all you’ve got and then some. It’s in your praise that you meet Him spirit to Spirit.

“For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.” Psalm 96:4 (MSG)

“Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak His name is praise! Just to remember God is a blessing--now and tomorrow and always. From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God!” Psalm 113:1-3 (MSG)

Prayer

Jesus,

I will rejoice in You always. I will let my gentleness be evident to all. I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to You. And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind. I have my hallelujah and I will raise Your name because whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—I will think about such things. Hallelujah! Amen!


Photo by Brett Jordan from Pexels

Google Doc

“As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51-53

Sometimes you run across a word you don’t hear much, but has such deep meaning. That happened when I came across this Scripture. The word, “resolutely” stopped me cold. After reading the definition, I realized how critical this word should be in living out our lives and determining what is truly important. It screams, “stay focused.” In case you’re wondering what resolute means, it’s being admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. Powerful words.

You have to look at Jesus to understand what living resolutely means. In the Scripture above, Jesus knew His time was getting close before He would return to heaven, fulfilling the reason why He was sent to earth. So He purposefully, and with determination set out for Jerusalem, the place the Lord was sending Him. He was unwavering in getting there.

Even though Jewish people always went around Samaria when they traveled (they had a firm dislike for Samaritans and wouldn't go near them), Jesus sent His messengers into a Samaritan village to get things for Him. He didn’t care about traditions, discriminatory ideology, or what people thought. The most direct route to Jerusalem was through Samaria, and Jesus was focused on the goal ahead of Him.

Jesus lived His entire life resolutely. He had one purpose and everything He did and said reflected that purpose. No matter the temptations, the circumstances or the trials, Jesus remained resolute to accomplish what the Father had given Him to do. His life also described the qualities of His relationship with the Father: purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

We make things so complicated trying to discover what our purpose is. It’s really simple: to love God with all our hearts, our minds, our souls, our strength and to love each other as we love ourselves. If we resolutely followed those two commands every day, in everything we do whether at home, at work, or in our communities, our lives would change for the better.

The Savior knew that He was going to heaven, and that affected His entire journey through life: the choices He made day by day, His relationships, and how He spent his time and his money.

He was on mission. He had a job to complete, and a purpose to fulfill—the completion of our redemption. His ascent into heaven was our guarantee that there was a place for the faithful sons and daughters of God. He swung open the doors wide so that we can all enter in.

Are you resolute in your purpose, unwavering to the mission you’ve been given? How much our lives would change if we lived with the same purpose and acted it out in every aspect of our lives. How often do we give up, waver or act double minded? How often do we lose our determination or forget what our purpose truly is?  Look to Jesus who gave us His life as an example. Resolutely follow Him. He was faithful, loyal, steadfast, and firm. We should be no less.

Prayer

Jesus,

Your Word says that He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor. I pursue You, my righteousness. Through You I find the strength to be admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering in my pursuit of loyalty to You. May everything I do and the words that speak bring the honor that You so richly deserve. Yahweh, You are my God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love You and keep Your commands. Who will separate me from the Messiah’s love? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or a violent death do this? As it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are thought of as sheep headed for slaughter.” In all these things I am triumphantly victorious due to the One who loves me. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor anything above, nor anything below, nor anything else in all creation can separate me from the love of God that is mine in union with You, my Messiah Jesus, my Lord. Your love, mercy, and grace are admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering towards me. Therefore, I will lift up Your name. Jesus, I will raise a hallelujah for You are worthy to be praised! AMEN!


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Google Doc

Alicia was such an interesting person, a great friend and a wonderful daughter. Everywhere she went she brought a smile and kind word. Her co-workers looked to her for encouragement and she made the workplace sane. Her two best friends loved hanging out with her because she was so full of fun and laughter. Alicia’s family got excited every time she visited. She was the red shiny apple of the family.

On the surface, Alicia was the best friend you’ve always wanted, full of good energy and love; but inside, at her core, Alicia had a hidden worm that ate at her insides. On the outside she was that really red, shiny apple you can’t wait to take home. It looks perfect until you cut it in half and see it has a nasty worm inside spoiling the fruit.

For many years, Alicia carried a deep scar in her heart that over time grew and turned into a worm that constantly, secretly ate away at her goodness. She didn’t really know it was that bad. It started as distrust and went to dislike, eventually landing on hatred. The hatred had gotten so deep that it turned into unforgiveness. And in her heart, she vowed to never forgive her father for how he had treated her as a child.

How often are there things going on in our hearts that we cover over or ignore while we appear to be red shiny apples on the outside? Truth is, many people are walking around with hidden hurts and pains that don’t show on the surface: anger, bitterness, malice, ill-will. These are worms that eat away at our hearts until they become hardened and almost immovable.

One of the definitions of worm is “something that torments or devours from within.” Alicia’s worm had tormented her so much over the years that she blamed God for every wrong in her life, leaving her miserable. Until one day, she met an angel who found her just as she was about to tumble from a bridge. After he pressed her, she explained how unfair life was. God was such a rock in others’ lives, but not in hers. Her father had wronged her and she could never forgive him.

The angel explained the power of forgiveness for the person who is doing the forgiving. It’s about freeing your heart so that you can see the power of God fulfilled in your heart. It’s about breaking down barriers and walls so that your true self can be set free. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” (Lewis B. Smedes) All the angel asked Alicia was to try.

Are you a red shiny apple with a worm eating away at your insides? Take the first step by putting that worm in the hands of Jesus. Let Him help you rid your heart of past hurts that are eating away at your life and keeping you from having the life He wants for you. His love is totally sufficient to see you through. Give Him a try.

“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:12-14

Prayer

Jesus,

I long to be free. I long for the freedom that only You can offer, because only You  can set me free and I will be free indeed. Search my heart and know me inside and out. Remove anything that will spoil me and prevent me from being abundantly fruitful as you have called me to be. Jesus, I call upon Your name and ask this because I know that if I ask it in Your name it will be done. Give me the strength to do my part. Give me the courage to make every effort to live in my freedom. Give me the boldness to stand up against the temptation to go back to my life of bondage. I give You all the praise and the glory. Amen!


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Google Doc

Sometimes we forget the power we’ve been given by the all powerful Jesus. We forget the strength of the Holy Spirit and the victory of that strength in our lives. We were given the method and the process for claiming and maintaining that victory. Let’s pick up our armor and our weapons because none formed against us can proper. Join us as we pray this week’s prayer over any fiery darts the enemy shoots our way.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
- 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 (ESV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand firm.
- EPHESIANS 6:10-13 (ESV)

___________________________________________________________

THE PRAYER

Lord, we come to You in prayer today, believing the promise in 2 Chornicles 7:14: that if we humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways, You will hear our prayer and heal our lands. Our community, nation, and world are in desperate need of Your help, comfort, and healing power. Lord, we ask You to forgive us for turning our hearts away from You. Hear our cry today as we join with the Body of Christ around the world to stand together against the COVID-19 crisis.

Lord, strengthen our minds and emotions with the truth that You are greater than COVID-19. Your righteousness protects our hearts from despair. Your Word enables us to walk through this crisis in peace.

Although this is a physical disease, as believers, we know the enemy wants to take advantage of this moment. Together, we stand in faith against the powers of darkness in this “evil day.” We put on the “whole armor of God” and stand firm on the promises of Your Word!

With Your armor, we stand protected from the fiery darts of panic and fear. We take up the shield of faith on behalf of our families, our churches, our cities, our nation, and the nations of the world. The hope of salvation is our battle helmet.

We declare the promise in Your Word, that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Therefore, we pray in faith that COVID-19 will be eradicated, panic will stop, and God’s power will fill the earth.

WE HUMBLY ASK ALL THESE THINGS IN THE POWERFUL NAME OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST. AMEN!


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Google Doc

Have you ever been so sad and confused over something that you found it hard to move forward another day? Some of us may feel that way because of the issues COVID-19 has brought. Some of us may feel that way because we’ve had a defining life event that was so hurtful. Some of us may identify because we’ve lost something or someone so suddenly.

Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples and it’s the day after His crucifixion. You are mourning. You can’t believe Jesus, your Rabbi, the One you followed ever so carefully; the One you gave up everything for; and the one you were trying to be just like, is gone. He died, but you thought He was the Messiah. You are confused, you thought He had come to save Israel. How could He be gone before that happened? You are in doubt. Did the prophecies fail? Wasn’t Jesus supposed to fulfill those prophecies?

Then comes the guilt. They were supposed to imitate Him, even if it meant dying for what they believed in. Yet, they had run away, denied they knew Him and watched helplessly as He was beaten and crucified for hurting no one. The day after Jesus died, the disciples were lost and hurting. Just like us when we experience a tough life changing event.

I say to those who can identify where the disciples were that day, to look up. Don’t be discouraged. Dry your tears and know you won’t be in this place long. How can we know that for sure? We know what the disciples didn’t know that day. Jesus rose from the dead, and, Hallelujah, He destroyed death and gave us hope for the future. Through His resurrection, and before He ascended to heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us through all things.

Death of loved ones comes and pandemics roar. Illness tries to devour and finances fail. Rejection and hurt chase us and depression smothers, but we are children of the King. Life throws us tough twists and turns that try to take us down, but we have Jesus. He knows exactly how we feel. He understood how the disciples felt. But He brought us victory!

Change is coming just like it did after He was crucified. Clarity is coming just like it came to the disciples. Strength and perseverance will replace the sorrow and fear. Jesus will surround you with His love and compassion, if you let Him. He will shower you with His mercy and grace if you wait patiently. You may not get exactly what you want, but you will get more than you deserve or imagined. Trust Him. Follow Him. Throw your cares on Him. Then lose yourself in praise. Your praise will open the doors to joy and peace.

So let’s kick sadness, doubt, guilt, hurt, pain, rejection and depression out of our way, in the name of Jesus. Let’s open our hearts and minds to be filled with the love of Jesus. Trust and believe that His hope covers all wounds. You are the victorious child of God.

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19

Prayer

Jesus,

I receive and believe that You died for my sins. I receive and believe that You rose from the grave on the third day. I receive and believe that Your grace and mercy have given me salvation. I receive and believe that change is coming for me with Your favor. I believe and receive that clarity is coming. I receive and believe that Your joy is my strength and that Your Holy Spirit empowers me. I receive and believe that You dwell mightily within me. I praise Your holy name and raise a hallelujah. I am a child of God because You. I am free because of You. I have a future, a hope and an inheritance because of You. Amen!


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Google Doc

We have appointed times in our lives for many life events. Those times are only known by God. He is the master of all time and His plan is according to His schedule. In Ecclesiastes we are told that there is a time for everything under the sun. For example, God had an appointed time for Jesus to fulfill HIs purpose by coming to earth. He has an appointed time for Him to return, and no one else knows the time or the hour. He also had an appointed time for Jesus to give His life for us.

Today was that day, and we call it Good Friday. But what was so good about the Son of God being humiliated, degraded, betrayed, and abandoned on this day? What was so good about the pain He endured as He was beaten, tortured and nailed to the Cross? What was so good about the loss of His life as He drew His last breath that day?

Even in the midst of His agony and pain, Jesus knew exactly what He would accomplish on the Cross. He knew that no amount of His present suffering, even the worst pain imaginable of being totally separated from God, could outweigh the benefits of salvation and restoration we would be able to experience.

Yes, it was His appointed time to show how much He loves us, even to the point of laying down His life for us. It was also His appointed time to show us what true obedience to the Father looks like. It was His appointed time to show us what faith and trust in God means.

What Jesus did for us on Good Friday cannot be replicated. From His death on the Cross, we now experience the ability to have a real, personal relationship with God. We gained an Intercessor in Jesus, who sits at the feet of God interceding for us, praying for us. His appointed time opened doors for us to grace, mercy and forgiveness that are priceless.

Although it’s difficult to think about the sacrifice and the suffering Jesus endured on Good Friday, His appointed time must not be in vain. On Good Friday, we have the opportunity to reflect on His goodness and on His holiness. We can take time to search our hearts and determine if there are areas we need to clean up. If we don’t know what salvation is, now is the time to find out. If we need to make some changes, now is the time to start.

Use this Good Friday to think about what Jesus did for you on the Cross today. Ask Him to meet you right where you are and to have a heart to heart with you. If you haven’t asked Him into your heart, why not do that today? It’s simple. Just confess that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you and rose again. Ask Him to forgive your sins and then turn your life over to Him. The angels in heaven will shout and rejoice that another soul has been saved.

For those of us who’ve experienced salvation,we can reflect on the day we were saved and then thank Jesus. Without His death on the Cross today and His resurrection, we would still be lost, wandering in darkness. Praise God for the sacrifice of Jesus!

“Jesus said to him (Zacchacus), ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’” Luke 19:9-10

Prayer

Jesus,

I thank You that I am healed by the stripes upon Your back. I praise You that You have taken up my transgressions and have set me free. I rejoice in You that Your blood shed has cleansed me and delivered me of all my sins—past, present and future. I am grateful to be under You and not the law. I no longer have to sacrifice only to fall short and not be able to be near You. I can now go past the curtain, torn in half, be in Your presence and bask in Your glory. I am no longer an orphan, but a child of God. I am no longer a slave, but a friend of God. I am no longer a victim, but victorious. All glory, honor and praise is lifted up to You, Jesus, my LORD, Savior, Friend, Deliverer, Provider, Healer, Light, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Strength! Hallelujah! Amen!


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Google Doc

This is Easter week and it’s time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We celebrate because through His broken body and His precious blood, we are redeemed, forgiven and restored as the people God intended us to be. Join us as we pray for the Lord to let us know how to live for Him, how to walk for Him and how to talk for Him. It is time.Take your place and stand.

...and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord…

-- ROMANS 1:4 (ESV)

“Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord. His going out is sure as the dawn, He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

-- HOSEA 6:1-3 (ESV)

THE PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as Your Church around the world is remembering the death of Your Son and preparing to celebrate His resurrection, we stand on the fact there is nothing too difficult for You. You are the God of revival and resurrection. Therefore, we are determined to obey the command found in the words of the Prophet Hosea: “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord…” No matter how dark and hopeless it seems, Your promises of intervention and salvation are as sure as the dawn of a new day. May this be our confession before You: COVID-19 is not the harbinger of our doom, but it is the herald of our dawn. It is a new day of spiritual harvest among the nations of the world, for You are the God of resurrection.

Lord, pierce the suffocating darkness of our world with the light of Your glorious gospel. May the gloom and doom pervading our planet gradually fade away as a new era of revival and outpouring dawns. As Your Church embraces the Great Commission, cause our communities, cities, and nations to be gripped by the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Yet, in the midst of these petitions, we give You praise for Your ongoing mitigation of COVID-19. Without Your intervention, millions more would have perished.

Hosea made a promise that “...He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” This promise strengthens our resolve to stand in faith at this critical time in human history. We believe the fresh rains of heaven have power to quench the thirst of our spiritually parched and broken world. As the flood gates of heaven open, the dark forces seeking to dam up the spread of the Gospel will be shattered.

Lord, with the promises of Hosea burning in our hearts, we boldly come before Your throne with our cry: “Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!” Even as you exhibited Your might and declared the divinity of Your Son through HIs resurrection from the dead, we pray for a fresh demonstration of Your power to rock our world today. May the tide of righteousness rise as Your freshly empowered Church boldly proclaims the Gospel. COVID has plowed up the hardened spiritual soil of our planet, but as Your Church sows in faith, we cry out again: “Let it rain! Let it rain! Let it rain!” Amen!


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Google Doc

Ready to put life’s troubles in their place? Tired of the weariness of the pandemic? Ready to send the enemy where he belongs—out of your life? Then get off this mountain! We’ve been sitting on this mountain long enough. It’s time to get up and take control and authority over our lives just the way Jesus told us to do. We are not defeated and we aren’t losers!

The Lord even told that to the Israelites when they were at Mount Sinai. They had stayed long enough. He said, “You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on.” (Deuteronomy 1:6) In just the first few words the Lord said to them, He said ‘Go’ three times. And He didn’t stop there. Moses quoted Him several times, each word an action word.

I believe the Lord is calling us out just like He did the Israelites. He’s telling us to get off this mountain we’ve been on and shake off the inability to move. Get off the mountain of lost hope. Get off the mountain of fear. Get off the mountain of lack. Get off the mountain of doubt. Get off the mountain the enemy guided you to.

His words in Deuteronomy tell us what we need to do: Look, Go, Conquer, Occupy, Fight, Get Moving. Now some of you may be thinking exactly what the Israelites thought when they heard these words: “Where can we go?” They complained that the people were too tall and more powerful. You may be thinking your problems are too great and you can’t overcome them. But God said, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. I have given you victory.” He’s placed your victory right in front of you.

What the Lord has for you is indeed good. You are His child and He loves you. Jesus won the victory when He died and rose again. He beat Satan at his own game and grabbed the keys of death from hell. Death has been conquered and His kingdom is already here on earth. Victory is ours and through Jesus, we can conquer whatever stands in our way, including the enemy.

So get off your mountain! Get moving, even if it’s only a few steps at first. Trust in the Lord and not in your own strength. Search His Word for guidance. Step out on faith and don’t be stuck. Look around and see through His eyes. See all that He has for you and then go, fight, conquer and occupy the place He has for you. You won’t go alone and He will walk by your side. Just go!

“The Lord your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw Him do in Egypt. And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now He has brought you to this place…the Lord God, who goes before you looking for the best place to camp, guiding you with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.” Deuteronomy 1:30-31,32-33

Prayer

Jesus,

I will step out in faith and move off this mountain. As I do I will not fear, for You are with me; I will not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. You are the LORD, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to Me, do not fear; I will help you. I will be on my guard; standing firm in the faith; I will be a person of courage; I will be strong. Therefore, I will  be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or terrified because of anything, for You, the LORD, my God goes with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me. As I step out and off this mountain, I am blessed and highly favored. Amen!


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Google Doc

It’s Spring and old man Winter is being pushed aside slowly but surely. The earth is preparing for a new season of planting and growth. Isn’t it amazing how our outlook changes with the seasons too? We begin to feel light hearted and we excitedly look forward to getting outside and enjoying the outdoors after being cooped up for so long. There’s only one thing:  we need the spring—rain.

While rain brings on the beauty of nature, we need to “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” (Zechariah 10:1). What rain does the Lord shower down on us aside from that for the crops? The most important rain He showers down is the rain of the Holy Spirit.

Without the Holy Spirit’s rain, we cannot grow or know the right path to take. The Lord wants us to grow in strength and boldness to be His disciples. He wants us to bloom as beautiful images of who He designed us to be.

We can all stand some of that Holy Spirit rain right about now. We have been closed up inside through this pandemic, sometimes afraid, sometimes alone, sometimes depressed, sometimes feeling overwhelmed. Although the pandemic isn’t over, we have hope, friends. Our hope is in the rain that the Holy Spirit will pour out on us.

Run outside and look up. His clouds are forming overhead and He’s preparing to unleash His power and authority and strength over you. Feel the wind of change blowing. That’s His Presence surrounding you and giving you that touch you so need. Listen, for the rain is coming. Smell the first aroma of His Spirit just before it comes?

Stand still and wait for the outpouring of His rain. Once it starts, don’t run inside. Let it drench you. Feel the rain seeping right into your soul. The Spirit is building you up, healing you, comforting you, encouraging you, loving you. This is the Holy Spirit rain poured out of heaven to refresh, restore, and give you power.

What is so wonderful about the Holy Spirit rain is that you can have it every day as often as you need or want it. The Holy Spirit is always with you, waiting to be asked to come. Every day you need to call upon the Spirit to guide your day, protect your path and guard your heart. Jesus told us that He left the Spirit as a gift, a friend and a helper. When you get up tomorrow morning, ask the Holy Spirit to bring on the rain. You will be so glad you did!

“May He be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.” Psalm 72:6

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in the meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.” Isaiah 44:3

Prayer

Holy Spirit,

Let it rain! Bring on the rain. Open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain! Amen!

Sing your prayer to Him: Let It Rain


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Google Doc

There was a time in our history, when a man or woman’s word was bond. Words were important and not thrown around without integrity and truth. If he or she said it, you could believe it. They stood by their word. If a person broke his or her word or promise, it would cause others to lose faith and trust in whatever that person said going forward. Character was important.

Many contracts and bonds were made with a word and simple handshake. There was no need to write and sign a contract. That’s how important a person’s word was viewed.  Because our words started to be untrustworthy, written legal contracts had to be signed to make sure the contract was honored.

Are you a person of your word? Do you feel you can trust the words of others? Unfortunately, our culture has lessened the value of truth. Because of that, we tend to either be skeptical of what we hear or we follow blindly. You hear people say, “I swear to God, that’s the truth,” or “I swear on my mother’s grave.” The Bible calls these oaths or vows, but the Word is clear—we should not swear. We should only say “Yes” or “No” and let our word be bond.

But I know a Man of His word, and His words have power and authority. If He said it, we can believe it. He doesn’t deal in half truths, lies or deception. He speaks truth with love. His name is Jesus. With Him all things are possible, if we believe. Chains break and walls fall because His promises are never broken. He loves us with an unfailing love, you can trust that!

He showed us perfect character in His example of what walking and speaking in truth looks like. There is no one else on earth who speaks truth alone. We all fall short of speaking truth at some time. The only One we can fully trust, the only one we can have full confidence in what He says is Jesus. He never fails.

If He said He was sending a helper, the Holy Spirit, you can believe it. He did. The Holy Spirit is with us forever, teaching us, reminding us of the Word, guiding us into all truth, disclosing the Father’s heart, interceding for us, even when we have no words. Jesus knew we would be tempted to follow the enemy's whispers.That’s why He sent the Holy Spirit.

If He said the Holy spirit is Your friend, you can believe it. He is your personal friend.

If He said the Holy Spirit is God, you can believe it. He is.

If He said you are a child of God, you can believe it. You are.

If He said the Holy Spirit will comfort you, you can believe it. He will.

If He said you are who He says you are, you can believe it. So be it.

If He said the Holy Spirit will lead and direct your path, you can believe it. So let Him.

If He said all chains are breakable, and all things are possible with the Holy Spirit, believe it. Watch them break. Look for the deliverance.

Listen to a group of young people from all around the world lift up their voices in praise. May you be lifted too:  Man of Your Word

“What You say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever.” Psalm 119:89-90 (The Message)

“And since you know He cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say, yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.” James 5:12 (The Message)

Prayer

Jesus,

Your Word is bond. When You speak, action follows. By Your Word everything was created. You spoke my name before anyone else did. Your name is power. Your name is authority. You say that if I ask anything in Your name it shall be done for me. So, Jesus, in Your name I ask for a deeper friendship with Your Holy Spirit. I ask for Your comfort in my life. I ask that You lead my in ways and down the path You have laid out for me. I ask that You break every chain meant to hold me back and keep me oppressed. I lift up Your name! Jesus, I lift up Your mighty name! Amen!


Photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash

Google Doc

We are weary of the pandemic and all the worries of the world. It’s so tempting to put our heads in the sand and pray it passes over us somehow. This is not the time to give up or to run away. It’s time to double down and invite the Holy Spirit to come into our lives and every situation. It’s time to push through and pray for the revival we need to get past it all. It’s time we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and to breathe new breath into our souls. Join us this week as we pray for revival and a pouring out of Holy Spirit power.

“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord. His going out is sure as the dawn, he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
— HOSEA 6:1-3 (ESV)

THE PRAYER

Lord, this Scripture displays Your awesome power to revive individuals, communities, and nations. We cry out for that same power today—for ourselves and the communities we have been called to serve. The cultures of our world will continue to languish in spiritual despair without a breath of revival to awaken Your Church and galvanize it to action. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves to the lifestyle of prayer necessary to see a new day of revival dawn over our broken world.

In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we cry out with one voice: breathe on us we pray. Pour out Your Spirit on our communities, cities, and nations. Revive the hopes and dreams of the battered peoples of our world as they turn to You in repentance and faith.

Heavenly Father, we receive the promise implied in the words of the prophet Hosea: “…on the third day he will raise us up.” The same resurrection power You demonstrated when You raised Your Son from the dead can also bring life to dead marriages, relationships, families, economies, and communities. Your resurrection power is the ultimate answer to the devastation left by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lord, raise up Your scattered, quarantined Church from the malaise, despair, and fear preying upon our hearts and minds. Fill us, instead, with a fresh, vital faith! With one voice, we cry out before Your throne: eradicate COVID-19 from the earth, resurrect our hopes and dreams, and open our eyes to the harvest around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!
 

Photo by William Strickland

Google Doc

How do you see Jesus? Is He your 911 call when you’ve exhausted all options? Is He your quick fix at the moment? Or is He your “go to” for life whether you are in the midst of the good or the bad? How you see Jesus actually determines what shape your heart is in.

You can tell what shape your heart is in by the words that come out of your mouth. Those words connect with your actions. Unfortunately, our tongue can be loose and hard to control. It runs off on its own and the words that spill out can cut to the bone. The tongue is the mightiest weapon we have to build up or tear down.

When our hearts are burdened and overwhelmed, our words can be heavy. When our hearts are full of anger, our words can be mean. When our hearts are filled with bitterness, our words can be hateful. But when our hearts are filled with love, especially the love of Jesus, our words can be encouraging, hopeful and peaceful.

All of us at one point or another, may feel we need a heart fix. Life has its way of weighing us down and trying to blind us to the hope that stands right in front of us. What we need, though, is the Heart Fixer, not a fix. We must come to Him with a humble heart, knowing that we aren't perfect and that we always have room for improvement.  

It was Mary, Martha and their friends’ broken hearts that Jesus felt when Lazarus died. It was one of the reasons that caused Him to weep. Jesus took their broken hearts and healed them as He did the impossible. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Can you imagine the wonder, the joy and the relief in their hearts?

Whatever issues you are having with your heart, whether it’s grief, worry, anger, frustration, doubt, or rejection, place your heart in the hands of the Heart Fixer. He doesn’t just give you some bandaid fix. He searches deep within your heart and sees your inner thoughts, your deepest desires. He has the power to mold and shape and change your heart in ways you cannot possibly do on your own.

He will not only give you a changed heart, He will give you new words to speak of comfort, hope and love. He will align your words and actions with His Word and His example. You will have more peace and joy, even in the midst of life’s storms. You will truly understand what the words, “Peace be still” mean. Let Him be your Heart Fixer today in whatever area you need a heart upgrade. Your heart is critical to your walk with the Lord.

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” Proverbs 23:26

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

Prayer

Jesus,

You are my Heart Fixer. You are the author and finisher of my faith. You who started a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. You are my beginning and You are my end. I want to sit still before and bask in Your glory. I want to pour my praise on You just as the perfume was poured over You. I want to look upon You and leave the distractions of this world behind me. I want to remain in Your presence, hidden from the enemy’s schemes, from the temptations of this world; to better hear what You have to say to me and to be a mighty vessel for You. I give you my hands, I yield my tongue to You; here I am Lord, use me, send me to do Your will. Cleanse me from the inside out, remove anything thought that is not of You. Mold me and shape me. I yield to Your Holy Spirit. Amen!


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If I asked you where you live, I’m sure you’d give me a city and a state, maybe even a neighborhood. We tend to think of zones in terms of geographical areas. You’d give me a great description of what it looks like and what it means to live there since zones tend to be distinct areas. You might say, however, “I’m in a happy zone, today.” Or “I’m in my comfort zone.” But those are earthly zones.

The best place to be is living in God’s Zone. Where is His Zone and what can we find there? All we need to do is look to John the Baptist as an example of someone who lived in God’s Zone. A place that was different from others in his village, a zone filled with spiritual hope. In fact, he lived and preached in the desert. His clothes were made of camel’s hair and he ate locusts and wild honey. That was his geographical zone.

He didn’t care how he looked or what he ate because he had a job to do—to pave the way for Jesus’ coming. Because He lived in God’s spiritual Zone, he lived in His power, His authority and His love. Everything John did was in the name of the Lord. Being in His zone, he was God focused, fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for him.

Living in God’s Zone with power inspired John to take action. He proclaimed the day of Jesus’ coming and taught others to confess and repent of their sins. He baptized and proclaimed that One more powerful than he was coming who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He showed us the beauty of God’s Zone.

John showed us how to live in God’s Zone and the benefits of living there. It’s a place that is filled with the Lord’s power, authority and love and it inspires us to take action and prosper through the storms. His Zone is filled with hope and promises for an eternal future with Him. Listen to the Lord’s words and let them draw you to His Zone.

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord.” Psalm 89:15

“Surely the righteous will praise Your name, and the upright will live in Your presence.” Psalm 140:13

“You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; I thirst for You like a parched land.” Psalm 143:5-6

“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:20-21

Prayer

Lord,

I desire to sit still before You and wait for You. In Your presence I am shielded from the enemy’s schemes and lies. I do not want to conform to the patterns of this world, but instead desire to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Keep me, shape and mold me into the person I am meant to be—an empowered witness, a child of God. Amen!


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Do you need an encounter with God today? Do you want to push away the troubles and demands of life, and take a break? Or do you just need a touch from Him today? Now is the time. Drop whatever you are doing, and let’s call upon the Lord to be present right where you are—in your car, in your room, as you are walking, wherever you are.

Empty your thoughts and quiet your mind. It may take a moment, but push away your to-do list, your obligations, and take a deep breath. Breathe in God’s peace and then breathe out discouragement, fear, anxiety, worry and disappointment.  Begin to call His name, gently with power and confidence.

Call upon His name with an open heart and open arms. No other name has the power to deliver or save. Not your mother’s, not your father’s, not your sister's or your brother’s, not your grandparents’, not your friends’, not your boss, not your social worker’s, not your government nor your political party or representative’s. The greater name, the only name that matters is Jesus.

Lift His name higher and higher whether you feel like it or not. Let all the other names fade away until there is only the name of Jesus. Let Jesus take His place in your heart, the first place. Let Him take a seat in your spirit. Now call His name a little louder. Begin to praise Him. When you praise Him, He goes to work. There is no other name stronger than “Jesus.” Let Him have His way with you right now.

No one else deserves the worship. No one else deserves to reside in that special place of your heart. No one else deserves the honor and the glory. His name is greater, it’s stronger, higher. Magnify His name for there is no name that can break chains, move mountains, soothe a broken heart, comfort a soul, redeem and restore life. Call His name until there is only Jesus present.

Let Him come with His power and His love, however He wants to come. Like a fire. Like a rush of blowing wind. Like the crash of powerful waves. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and let Him come. Don’t block Him, don’t be afraid to let Him take over. When you allow Jesus to take His place, all things fall into place. He brings peace and hope to your weary soul. Bathe in His name, bathe in His presence until there is only You and Him. Let Him reign in your heart. His name is the greater name.

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” Hebrews 13:15

Prayer

Lord,

I give thanks to You, call upon Your name; make known Your deeds among my people. You have inclined Your ear to me, therefore I shall call upon You as long as I live. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. I will call upon You in the day of trouble; You shall rescue me, and I will honor You. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Amen!


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This past weekend, we sprung forward with time. Spring will officially be here later this month, too. Already, I’m getting that spring cleaning fever to start whisking away the winter dust. What is it about sunshine, warm air and even gentle rains, that just excite us to move; to throw open the windows, plant flowers and a garden; to trade in our heavy coats and boots for a light and carefree attitude?

As we approach the one year anniversary of the pandemic, we should feel the same way. Although it isn’t over and we still have a ways to go, it’s time for us to push our way through the pandemic blues and spring forward to what God really has in store for us. It’s time to turn a page in the COVID-19 book and reach beyond where we are to where we can be. Yes, it’s been hard and we haven’t recovered completely yet, but our lives are precious and they have purpose.

This is not the time to get comfortable where we are or to look back to former days and long for them as though they were perfect. The past is in the past and our future awaits us, in spite of our trials. We can’t afford to listen to the lies of the enemy who would have us believe that all is lost and there is no hope. Yes, we are tired of restrictions and we long to see our loved ones and friends, but we need to get out of our heads and see ourselves through the lens of hope.

The Israelites felt lost and even rebelled because they were tired of their circumstances and the never ending wandering. They saw no hope for the future, and they certainly couldn’t see what the Lord could see. Unfortunately, they couldn’t see beyond their circumstances. They couldn’t see the plans He had for them to give them a future beyond anything they had in their past. The Lord intervened with words of hope and promises for the future, and He gave it to us too. Listen and take in His words:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland...to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for Myself that they may proclaim My praise.” Isaiah 43: 1-3, 18-19

Throw open the windows of your heart and let the Lord set you free! Trust that His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. Leave the past behind and walk with courage and faith into the future He has for you. Spring forward into His loving arms and take that leap of faith.

Prayer

Lord,

I throw open the door and windows of my heart. I release the things I have been holding on to and grasp Your freedom instead. I will not fear for You are with me, I will not be afraid for I am comforted by You. I am confident in my faith that You, who started a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it. I have hope and a future in You. As my Shepherd, You will lead me and I will faithfully follow. Like the Apostle Paul, forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead of me, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen!


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When we were kids, we loved a big downpour of rain in the summer because after the storm, we could run out and jump in the puddles. It was even more fun to walk along the curb in the water as it rushed down the street. Because I was Miss Don’t Want To Get Dirty, I would put my old sneakers on instead of going barefoot. Once we were done, I would walk home with squishy shoes, water just teeming out as I walked. You could hear me coming a mile away.

Although I haven’t done that in many years, it occurred to me that we can and should all have squishy shoes. Squishy shoes for Jesus. Stay with me. When you hear the words “God’s glory,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s His awesome majesty when you look at the sky, or stare at the ocean. Perhaps it’s one of His many wonders and splendors here on earth.

There’s another meaning for God’s glory. His glory is His goodness and His Presence. When God’s presence shows up, He’s not just the God of the heavens and the wonders, but He is the God who is real and personal. He’s the God who wants to be with us and wants to shower us with His love and His joy. It’s God’s majesty, splendor and holiness revealed to us in a personal relationship with Him. When we are in His Presence, we are in His glory.

To make this personal, in His Presence you are humbled. When you give your heart to Jesus, something amazing happens. He fills you with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes and dwells in your heart. And with the Holy Spirit you are forever connected to Jesus and His wisdom, direction, strength, peace and love. The more you walk with Him and grow with Him through the Word, the more He pours out His glory in your life. What hope!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord  is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:17-18  

In other words, not only does the Lord display His glory in the heavens and on the earth, but He also displays His works through you and me. Because we have access to His Spirit within us, the radiance of His glory never goes away. Because He dwells within us, we walk with His Spirit and through us His glory shines and spills out.

So put on your squishy shoes for Jesus! Let every step you take and every squish you make shine His glory for others to see. No matter your circumstances, be His light and let Him be glorified through your actions. In fact, why not run in those squishy shoes? The world needs all the light and as much of His glory it can get.

“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16:24

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Prayer

Lord,

I sing to You a new song. I sing to You, praise Your name; proclaim Your salvation day after day. I declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among all peoples. For You are great and most worthy of praise. You made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before You; strength and glory are in Your sanctuary. I worship You; I worship Your glory and strength. All glory is due Your name; I bring an offering of praise and come into Your courts. I worship You in the splendor of Your holiness. When I think about You; all You have done for me and what You have carried me through, I can’t help but raise a hallelujah and praise Your name! Jesus! You are worthy of it all! Amen!


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